Host suitability of Solanum torvum cultivars to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica and population dynamics

Several experiments were carried out to assess the performance of commercial Solanum torvum cultivars against the root knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica in Spain. The response of S. torvum rootstock cultivars Brutus, Espina, Salutamu and Torpedo against M. incognita and Mi-1.2 (a)virulent M. javanica isolates was determined in pot experiments, and of ‘Brutus’ to an N-virulent isolate of M. incognita, compared with that of the eggplant S. melongena ‘Cristal’. The relationship between the initial and final population densities of M. javanica on ungrafted and grafted ‘Cristal’ onto the S. torvum ‘Brutus’ was assessed, together with the effect on dry shoot biomass. Finally, the population growth rate and the resistance level of the four S. torvum cultivars against M. incognita was assessed under plastic greenhouse conditions in two cropping seasons. All S. torvum rootstocks responded as resistant to the M. incognita isolates and from highly resistant to susceptible against M. javanica isolates. The maximum multiplication rates of M. javanica on the ungrafted or grafted eggplant were 270 and 49, respectively, and the equilibrium densities were 1318 and 2056 eggs and J2 per 100 cm³ soil, respectively. The tolerance of the ungrafted eggplant was 10.9 J2 per 100 cm³ soil, and the minimum relative dry shoot biomass was 0.76. The population growth rate of M. incognita on eggplant cv. Cristal differed from that of the S. torvum cultivars in both cropping seasons. These results suggest that S. torvum is a valuable rootstock for managing the two Meloidogyne species irrespective of the (a)virulence status.     

Resistance response of the tomato rootstock SC 6301 to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne javanica</Emphasis> in a plastic house

Nematode reproduction on the nematode-susceptible tomato cv. Durinta grafted onto the Mi-resistance gene tomato rootstock SC 6301 was compared to the Mi-resistance gene tomato cv. Monika in a plastic house infested with Meloidogyne javanica. The ungrafted susceptible cv. Durinta was included as a control for reference. Final soil population densities were lower (P ≤ 0.05) on the resistant than susceptible cultivar but intermediate values were recorded on the rootstock SC 6301. The lowest numbers of eggs per gram root were recorded on the resistant cultivar followed by those on the rootstock; in both cases, they were lower (P < 0.05) than on the susceptible control. Cumulative yield (kilogram per square meter) was higher (P < 0.05) on the resistant than susceptible cultivar whether or not it had been grafted. The rootstock SC 6301 provided an intermediate resistance response to M. javanica and was less effective than the resistant cultivar in suppressing nematode populations and plant damage under the experimental conditions of this study.     

Diversity of Meloidogyne incognita populations from cotton and aggressiveness to Gossypium spp. accessions

The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita is the main nematode causing losses to the cotton crop in Brazil. In order to implement control strategies within integrated management, an accurate identification of the nematode populations prevailing in the cotton production areas is necessary. This study aimed to assess the genetic variability and aggressiveness of RKN populations from cotton production areas in Bahia state, Brazil. All populations were characterized biochemically and molecularly and identified as M. incognita. RAPD and AFLP markers detected 44% of polymorphic fragments among the 13 populations of this species. The 10 M. incognita populations collected in Bahia presented 33.7% of diversity when compared to each other, and 25% when the population from Barreiras (the most polymorphic) was excluded. This polymorphism increased when populations from other Brazilian states were included. The aggressiveness and virulence among populations from Bahia towards different cotton accessions (susceptible/resistant) was also studied. None of the populations showed virulence against the moderately resistant (Clevewilt 6, Wild Mexican Jack Jones and LA 887) and highly resistant (CIR1348 and M-315 RNR) cultivars. Two M. incognita populations from Barreiras were the most aggressive, reaching reproduction factors of 539 and 218, respectively, in the susceptible cultivar FiberMax 966. The most aggressive population (8) was also the most genetically divergent in phylogenetic analyses. These results demonstrate that diversity of M. incognita populations from cotton farms in Bahia is not related to virulence against resistant accessions, which suggests that cultivars containing one or two resistance genes with good agronomic characteristics could be used in infested commercial areas in Bahia state, Brazil.     

Weed hosts of Meloidogyne spp. and the effect of aqueous weed extracts on egg hatching

Weeds have a great economic impact on agricultural production because they compete with crops for resources and are alternative hosts for pests, microbial pathogens and plant-parasitic nematodes. This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of weeds to the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita and assess the effect of aqueous weed extracts on M. javanica egg hatching. Four experiments were conducted, two for each nematode species. Weeds were inoculated with 2000 nematode eggs and grown for 60 days under greenhouse conditions. Soyabean cv. Monsoy 7110 was used as control. The weeds Ipomoea grandifolia, Solanum americanum, Digitaria horizontalis, Amaranthus deflexus, Sorghum halepense and Commelina benghalensis were susceptible to M. javanica and M. incognita in at least one experiment (reproduction factor, RF >1). Crotalaria juncea and Eleusine indica were susceptible to M. incognita in one experiment, and Digitaria insularis, Sida rhombifolia, Bidens pilosa, Urochloa decumbens, Crotalaria breviflora, Cenchrus echinatus, Crotalaria ochroleuca and Crotalaria spectabilis were immune or resistant (RF <1 or RF = 0). Alternanthera tenella, C. juncea, S. rhombifolia, C. ochroleuca, C. spectabilis, C. breviflora, B. pilosa, E. indica, U. decumbens and C. echinatus were resistant or immune to M. javanica (RF <1 or RF = 0). Compared with the control (water), all weed extracts reduced M. javanica egg hatch. Our results highlight the importance of weed control in agricultural systems, as nematodes can survive and multiply in weed roots during the off-season. Weed leaves and shoots, however, may be an interesting source of compounds with nematicidal activity.     

Stimulation of respiratory pathways in tomato roots infested by Meloidogyne incognita

Respiration of tomato roots susceptible and resistant to Meloidogyne incognita was measured during infestation. No significant changes in respiratory rate occurred in susceptible tomato roots, during infestation by M. incognita. In resistant tomato roots, a pronounced increase of both cyanide-sensitive and cyanide-resistant oxidases, was observed during nematode attack. The time-course of the respiration during 12 days, after nematode inoculation, showed that resistant tomato roots responded with a rapid increase in cyanide-sensitive and cyanide-resistant respiration as invading nematodes progressed; no changes were observed in the susceptible tomato roots.Change in the rate of oxygen uptake paralleled an increase in nematode density in resistant tomato roots; oxygen uptake rose linearly to an infestation level of 50 juveniles for each seedling, above which value it declined. The physiological significance of the alternative respiratory pathway is discussed.     

Response of tomato rootstocks carrying the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mi</Emphasis>-resistance gene to populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne arenaria,M. incognita and M. javanica</Emphasis>

The response of four Mi-resistance gene tomato rootstocks to seven populations of Meloidogyne was determined in pot tests conducted in a glasshouse. Rootstocks PG76 (Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum sp.) and Brigeor (S. lycopersicum × S. habrochaites) and resistant cv. Monika (S. lycopersicum) were assessed against one population of M. arenaria, three of M. incognita, and three of M. javanica. Rootstocks Beaufort and Maxifort were assessed against one population of M. arenaria, two of M. incognita and two of M. javanica. Rootstock PG76 was highly resistant (reproduction index <10%) to all the populations, whereas rootstock Brigeor and cv. Monika were highly to moderate resistant. Rootstocks Beaufort and Maxifort showed reduced resistance or inability to suppress nematode reproduction, and their responses varied according to the population tested. Beaufort and Maxifort were susceptible to the two populations of M. javanica as Maxifort was to one of M. incognita. The reproduction index of the nematode was higher (P < 0.05) on Maxifort than Beaufort for all root-knot nematode populations.     

Differential reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica in watermelon cultivars and cucurbit rootstocks

The suitability of watermelon cultivars and cucurbit rootstocks as hosts to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica was determined in pot and field experiments. Meloidogyne incognita showed higher reproduction than did M. javanica on watermelon and cucurbit rootstocks. The watermelon cultivars did not differ in host status when challenged with these two species and supported lower nematode reproduction than the cucurbit rootstocks. Rootstocks Lagenaria siceraria cv. Pelops and Cucurbita pepo AK15 supported lower reproduction than did the squash hybrid rootstocks (C. maxima × C. moschata). Egg production increased (P < 0·05) with a rising initial inoculum level (Pi) in the non‐grafted Sugar Baby but the reproduction factor Rf (eggs per plant/Pi) was similar at two Pi levels. The total egg production in the plants grafted onto squash hybrids RS841 and Titan was greater (P < 0·05) at the higher Pi, but the Rf values were lower. The development of field‐grown non‐grafted watermelon plants was significantly stunted in plots where nematodes were detected at planting. However, no differences were observed in plots with grafted plants. In plots with nematodes, non‐grafted and Titan‐grafted plants had similar yields that were higher than that of RS841‐grafted plants. In the commercial plastic houses with grafted watermelon, the average Rf value was 42‐fold, confirming the high susceptibility of squash hybrids as rootstocks for grafted watermelon. The Titan–Sugar Baby combination was tolerant to M. javanica.     

Thermal requirements for the embryonic development and life cycle of Meloidogyne hispanica

The life cycle of a Portuguese Meloidogyne hispanica isolate on susceptible cv. Easypeel and resistant (Mi‐1.2 gene) cv. Rossol tomato plants was studied in growth chambers at constant temperatures (10–35°C). The development within the egg and hatching were compared to those of a Portuguese M. arenaria isolate. The base temperature was 10·11 and 8·31°C with 179·5 and 235·3 thermal units for M. hispanica and M. arenaria, respectively, suggesting better potential adaptation to low temperatures by M. arenaria than M. hispanica. No egg development occurred at 10 or 35°C. An increase in invasion of tomato roots by M. hispanica second‐stage juveniles (J2s) was correlated with an increase in temperature on both tomato cultivars. Tomato cv. Rossol limited M. hispanica development at 20, 25 and 30°C, but not at 35°C, indicating that these high temperatures blocked the resistance mechanism provided by the Mi‐1.2 gene. At 15°C, J2s penetrated tomato cv. Rossol roots, but failed to develop and establish feeding sites. On tomato cv. Easypeel, nematode development and reproduction occurred at 20, 25 and 30°C, but at 20°C the life cycle was 1·5 and 2·0 times longer than at 25 and 30°C, respectively. No egg production was observed at 15°C. The results of this study showed that M. hispanica is most suited to soil temperatures around 25°C. Predicted climate change might favour the spread of this nematode species into southern Europe and northwards. The thermal requirements for M. hispanica development are analysed and compared with those of M. arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita and M. javanica.     

Resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne incognita</Emphasis> expresses a hypersensitive-like response in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coffea arabica</Emphasis>

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are obligate parasite species of the genus Meloidogyne that cause great losses in Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plantations. Identification of resistant genotypes would facilitate the improvement of coffee varieties aiming at an environmental friendly and costless nematode control. In this work, the C. arabica genotype ‘UFV 408-28’ was found to be resistant to the most destructive RKN species M. incognita. Pathogenicity assays indicated that the highly aggressive populations of M. incognita races 1, 2 and 3 were not able to successfully reproduce on ‘UFV 408-28’ roots and displayed a low gall index (GI = 2). An average reduction of 87% reduction of the M. incognita population was observed on ‘UFV 408-28’ when compared to the susceptible cultivar ‘IAC 15’. By contrast, ‘UFV 408-28’ was susceptible to the related species M. exigua and M. paranaensis (GI = 5 and 4, respectively). Histological observations performed on sections of UFV408-28 roots infected with M. incognita race 1 showed that nematode infection could be blocked right after penetration or during migration and establishment stages, at 6 days, 7 days and 8 days after infection (DAI). Fluorescence and bright field microscopy observations showed that root cells surrounding the nematodes exhibited HR-like features such as accumulation of phenolic compounds and a necrotic cell aspect. In the susceptible ‘IAC 15’ roots, 6 DAI, feeding sites contained giant cells with a dense cytoplasm. Necrotic cells were never observed throughout the entire infection cycle. The HR-like phenotype observed in the ‘UFV 408-28’—M. incognita interaction suggests that the coffee resistance may be mediated by a R-gene based immunity system and may therefore provide new insights for understanding the molecular basis of RKN resistance in perennial crops.     

Cucumis metuliferus is resistant to root‐knot nematode Mi1.2 gene (a)virulent isolates and a promising melon rootstock

Pot experiments were carried out to characterize the response of two Cucumis metuliferus accessions (BGV11135 and BGV10762) against Mi1.2 gene (a)virulent Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica isolates and to determine the compatibility and the effect on physicochemical properties of fruit melons. In addition, histopathological studies were conducted. One week after transplanting, plants were inoculated with one J2 cm^?3 of sterilized sand (200 cm³ pots) and maintained in a growth chamber at 25 °C for 40 days. The susceptible cucumber cv. Dasher II or melon cv. Paloma were included for comparison. The number of egg masses and number of eggs per plant were assessed, and the reproduction index (RI) was calculated as the percentage of eggs produced on the C. metuliferus accessions compared to those produced on the susceptible cultivars. The compatibility and fruit quality were assessed by grafting three scions, two of Charentais type and one of type piel de sapo, under commercial greenhouse conditions. The resistance level of both C. metuliferus accessions ranged from highly resistant (RI < 1%) to resistant (1% ≤ RI ≤ 10%) irrespective of Meloidogyne isolates. Melon plants grafted onto C. metuliferus accession BGV11135 grew as self‐grafted plants without negatively impacting fruit quality traits. Giant cells induced by Meloidogyne spp. on C. metuliferus were in general poorly developed compared to those on cucumber. Furthermore, necrotic areas surrounding the nematode were observed. Cucumis metuliferus accession BGV11135 could be a promising melon rootstock to manage Meloidogyne spp., irrespective of their Mi1.2 (a)virulence, without melon fruit quality reduction.     

茄子砧木根系苯丙烷类代谢与抗南方根结线虫水平的关系

采用盆栽幼苗人工接种方法,研究南方根结线虫侵染对茄子砧木幼苗根系苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)、酪氨酸解氨酶(TAL)及多酚氧化酶(PPO)活性和总酚、木质素含量的影响.结果表明,无论是否遭受南方根结线虫侵染,幼苗根系PAL、TAL、PPO活性及总酚、木质素含量均以托鲁巴姆显著高于赤茄.虽然南方根结线虫侵染使2个茄子砧木幼苗根系苯丙烷类物质含量及相关酶活性均有所增加,但以托鲁巴姆增幅较大,其PAL、TAL、PPO活性及总酚、木质素含量的最大增幅较对照分别高67.87%、82.13%、32.19%、62.14%和20.91%,而赤茄仅分别较对照高47.13%、45.52%、18.08%、35.38%、14.86%.整个侵染进程中,托鲁巴姆始终表现出强烈的抗性反应,而赤茄除在初次侵染前期表现出一定的抗性反应外,其余时间反应较弱,尤其在遭受二次侵染时,抗性反应显著低于初次侵染.表明苯丙烷类代谢产物及关键酶与茄子砧木抗南方根结线虫水平密切相关.     

Quantitative approach for the early detection of selection for virulence of Meloidogyne incognita on resistant tomato in plastic greenhouses

Resistant tomato cultivars are an important tool to control Meloidogyne spp., which cause the highest yield losses attributed to plant‐parasitic nematodes. However, the repeated cultivation of Mi resistant cultivars can select virulent populations. In the present study, the susceptible tomato cv. Durinta and the resistant cv. Monika were cultivated from March to July in a plastic greenhouse for 3 years to determine the maximum multiplication rate, maximum nematode density, equilibrium density, relative susceptibility and population growth rate of M. incognita; these were used as proxy indicators of virulence and yield losses. The values of population dynamics and growth rate on the resistant tomato increased year by year and were higher when it was repeatedly cultivated in the same plot compared to when it was alternated with the susceptible cultivar and the level of resistance decreased from very to moderately resistant. The relationship between the nematode density at transplanting (P_i) and the relative yield of tomato fitted to the Seinhorst damage model for susceptible, but not resistant, cultivars. The tolerance limit and the relative minimum yield were 2–4 J2 per 250 cm³ of soil and 0.44–0.48, respectively. The tomato yield did not differ between cultivars at low P_i, but it did at higher P_i values, at which the resistant yielded 50% more than the susceptible. This study demonstrates the utility of population dynamics parameters for the early detection of selection for virulence in Meloidogyne spp., and that three consecutive years were not sufficient to select for a completely virulent population.     

Population dynamics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne incognita</Emphasis> on cucumber grafted onto the Cucurbita hybrid RS841 or ungrafted and yield losses under protected cultivation

The influence of the squash hybrid RS841 rootstock (Cucurbita maxima x C. moschata) on population dynamics of Meloidogyne incognita and yield of cucumber cv. Dasher II was assessed during 2013 and 2014 in a plastic greenhouse. In addition, the relationship between ecophysiological parameters (plant water status, gas exchange, and leaf reflectance) and Pi and cucumber yield were also estimated in 2013. Nematode densities were determined at the beginning (Pi) and at the end (Pf) of each crop, and the relationship between these parameters was used to estimate the maximum multiplication rate (a), the maximum population density (M) and the equilibrium density (E) per grafted and ungrafted cucumber and cropping season. Moreover, the relationship between the multiplication rate (Pf/Pi) and Pi was compared between grafted and ungrafted cucumber per cropping season. Finally, the relative yield of grafted or ungrafted cucumber was plotted against Pi to determine the tolerance limit (T) and the minimum relative yield (m) by the Seinhorst damage function model. Values of a, M and E in grafted cucumber were higher than in ungrafted one irrespective of the cropping season. These results were supported by comparing the relationship between Pf/Pi and Pi between grafted and ungrafted cucumber. The relationship between Pi and yield fitted the Seinhorst damage function. The values of T and m did not differ between grafted and ungrafted each year. Predawn water potential, net photosynthetic rate, and leaf chlorophyll index decreased with increasing Pi. In addition, relative yield was related to variation in net photosynthetic rate and the leaf chlorophyll index. Under the conditions of this study, RS841 rootstock was neither resistant nor tolerant to M. incognita.     

复合侵染水茄的两种菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒基因组结构特征分析

为明确水茄Solanum torvum植株叶片邹缩、褪绿是否由菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒侵染引起,从云南省西双版纳傣族自治州田间采集具有疑似感染症状的水茄植株叶片样品,应用菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒简并引物和特异性引物进行PCR扩增、克隆和测序,通过生物信息软件分析比较其核苷酸序列特征,并对其进行系统发育分析。结果显示,从采集的疑似病叶中共克隆获得了5条菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒DNA-A全序列和3条DNA-B全序列,经全序列分析发现,侵染水茄的2种菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒分离物分别属于中国南瓜曲叶病毒(squash leaf curl China virus,SLCCNV)和野茼蒿黄脉病毒(Crassocephalum yellow vein virus,CraYVV)。SLCCNV水茄分离物的基因组具有典型的菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒双组分结构特征,与来自泰国的SLCCNV分离物(AB330078)亲缘关系最近,相似性最高达到99.0%;CraYVV水茄分离物的基因组具有典型的菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒单组分结构特征,与来自云南省景洪市的CraYVV分离物(EF165536)亲缘关系最近,相似性最高达到97.6%。表明水茄是这2种菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒的新寄主,并首次发现双组分和单组分菜豆金色花叶病毒属病毒可复合侵染水茄。     

Nematicidal potential of materials from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Medicago</Emphasis> spp.

The nematicidal effect of soil amendments with dry top and root material from Medicago sativa and/or Medicago arborea was evaluated on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and on the cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis in potting mixes. All amendments suppressed root and soil population densities of both nematode species compared to non-treated and chemical controls. The suppressiveness of M. sativa differed between top and root material and among the amendment rates. In field conditions soil amendments with 20 or 40 t ha⁻¹ of a pelleted M. sativa meal increased tomato crop yield and reduced soil population densities and root galling by M. incognita. It is suggested that saponins were at least partly responsible for the nematicidal activity.     

不同光温条件对马铃薯繁殖根结线虫效果的影响

在沙培马铃薯条件下,分别比较不同温度、光照条件对根结线虫(Meloidogyne spp.)在马铃薯上培养效果的影响。结果表明,温度对根结线虫的培养效果有较大的影响,南方根结线虫在马铃薯上繁殖的最适温度为24～28℃,12℃时,线虫仍可侵染,但发育十分缓慢,接种后49d调查还未能观察到线虫产卵;光照条件对根结线虫的培养效果影响无明显规律性。     

Host-parasite relationships in tobacco plants infected with a root-knot nematode (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne incognita</Emphasis>) population from the Azores

During a nematode survey, severe infections of tobacco feeder roots and heavy soil infestations byMeloidogyne incognita race 1 were found in S. Miguel (Azores islands, Portugal). This is the first record ofM. incognita infection of tobacco in Azores. Morphology of various life stages, analysis of the esterase electrophoretic pattern and differential host tests were used for nematode characterization and identification. Nematode-induced mature galls were spherical and/or ellipsoidal and usually contained more than one female, males and egg masses with eggs. Feeding sites were characterized by the development of giant cells that contained granular cytoplasm and many hypertrophied nuclei. Giant cell cytoplasm was aggregated along a thickened cell wall. Vascular tissues within galls appeared disorganized. The relationship between the initial nematode population density and growth of tobacco plants was tested in a glasshouse experiment in which inoculum levels varied from 0 to 512 eggs and juveniles (J₂) cm⁻³ of soil. Seinhorst’s model was fitted to height and top fresh weight data of the inoculated and control plants. Tolerance limits with respect to plant height and fresh top weight of tobacco cv. ‘Erzegovina’ plants toM. incognita race 1 were estimated as 1.25 eggs and J₂ cm⁻³ of soil. The maximum nematode reproduction rate was 404.7 at an initial population density of 4 eggs and J₂ cm⁻³ of soil. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting March 2, 2004.     

Resistant accessions of wild Psidium spp. to Meloidogyne enterolobii and histological characterization of resistance

Meloidogyne enterolobii has been reported in some states of Brazil and other countries causing severe damage on commercial guava (Psidium guajava). The use of resistant varieties is the most effective way to manage nematode parasitism. This study screened 51 accessions of Psidium spp. selected from the Psidium Germplasm Collection (Embrapa) to look for resistance against M. enterolobii. Six months after inoculation, nematode reproduction factor (RF) was used to assess resistance. The following species were resistant to M. enterolobii: P. cattleianum (yellow guava), P. friedrichsthalianum (Costa Rican guava), Acca sellowiana (feijoa) and P. rufum (purple guava). All 43 wild accessions of P. guajava were susceptible, as well as three accessions of P. guineense (Brazilian guava), one of P. acutangulum (pear guava) and the susceptible control P. guajava cv. Paluma. When used as rootstocks under greenhouse conditions, P. cattleianum and P. friedrichsthalianum were compatible with cv. Paluma; however, in greenhouse and field conditions only 50% of both scions survived. No apparent hypersensitive response (HR) was seen in the resistant guava P. cattleianum and P. friedrichsthalianum. Juveniles were able to develop normal feeding sites similar to those in susceptible roots 6–13 days after inoculation (dai). From 27 to 32 dai, giant cell deterioration was observed and nematodes showed arrested development. The majority of nematodes failed to reach maturity and did not begin laying eggs in resistant roots. These results suggested that the induction of resistance is relatively late in this pathosystem.     

Greenhouse and field evaluations of commonly occurring weed species for their host suitability to Meloidogyne species

Since weeds serve as hosts for nematode pests, the host status of 20 weed species (commonly occurring in fields of developing farmers) to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica, respectively, were investigated. Greenhouse studies showed that seven weed species had Rf values >1 for both nematode species indicating susceptibility, while 13 had Rf values ≤ 1 indicating resistance. Greenhouse results showed that Hibiscus trionum and Amaranthus tricolor were identified as the most susceptible and Chenopodium carinatum and Datura ferox the poorest hosts for M. incognita and M. javanica. For field experiments at Kuruman, Solanum retroflexum was the most susceptible weed to a M. javanica population, while the same was evident for H. trionum at Nelspruit, where a mixed population of M. incognita and M. javanica occurred and at Potchefstroom, where a population of M. incognita was present. Results from this study indicated that certain weed species are highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes and should be removed timely and effectively to prevent population level increases of root-knot nematode pests in the fields of farmers.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum sisymbriifolium</Emphasis> - a new approach for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes

Plant-parasitic nematodes are serious pests causing important crop losses worldwide. After extensive screening of non-tuber-bearing Solanaceae, a resistant trap crop, Solanum sisymbriifolium, with a high production level of hatching agents, seemed an ideal control method for potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera spp. Recently, root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp., were found coexisting with PCN. Therefore, it is important to find alternative methods to control both nematode genera. The chemical properties of S. sisymbriifolium turns this plant into an excellent candidate for further nematicidal studies and to develop new crop production models. Studies concerning the effects of this plant on plant-parasitic nematodes are presented. Pathogenicity studies with four S. sisymbriifolium cvs (Domino, Pion, Sis 4004 and Sharp) and five Meloidogyne species showed that all cultivars of S. sisymbriifolium studied were resistant to M. chitwoodi and hypersusceptible to M. arenaria and M. hapla. For M. hispanica only cv Pion was susceptible. M. javanica induced different responses: cvs Pion and Sharp were susceptible; cv Domino resistant and Sis 4004 hypersusceptible. The studies of the hatching effects of root exudates from these cvs showed that they had an influence on the hatching inhibition of second stage juveniles of the five Meloidogyne species tested.